A South African court has told Zambia’s government that they can bring back the body of former President Edgar Lungu for a state funeral, even though his family doesn’t like the idea.
Lungu’s family wanted to bury him quietly in South Africa, where he died in June, but the ruling made them very sad and they plan to appeal it.
Zambia’s government welcomed this decision, saying they understand the family’s grief but that Lungu “belongs to the nation.”
This issue has come up because of a long-standing beef between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. Lungu’s family claims he didn’t want Hichilema at his funeral.
Family Response and Security Measures
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba said Zambia has the right to bring back Lungu’s body and ordered the family to “immediately surrender” it to them.
After Lungu died from an unknown illness at 68, his family wanted to handle his funeral arrangements, including bringing his body back.
Initially, the government and family agreed on a state funeral, but disagreements on the details led the family to decide on a burial in South Africa.
Lungu’s sister, Bertha Lungu, cried in court when the decision came out.
Zambian Attorney General Mulilo D Kabesha said the judgment wasn’t really a win for the government but was “what makes good sense.” He added that a leader can’t be limited to just their family.
Mr. Kabesha thanked the court for its “sound judgment” but acknowledged that the family could appeal, calling the case a “learning curve” for future leaders.
The family plans to “appeal against the whole judgment and order” made by Judge Ledwaba.
For now, Lungu’s body is staying in South Africa until the appeal is addressed.
Private security is on guard at the morgue in Pretoria because of several tries to take the body without permission.
Lungu led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, losing to Hichilema by a huge margin. After losing, he stepped back from politics but came back later.
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